Gladys Joyce "Sandy" Sandusky

Gladys Joyce Sandusky, 99, known as Sandy by her family and friends, died peacefully at The Commonwealth In Haddam, Ct. on July 10, 2025. She was a lifelong resident of Meriden until 2022. Sandy was born on June 24,1926 In Meriden, Ct, the only child of Lillian Schuerer Sandusky and Steven Sandusky. Her father, a Sargeant in the Army Air Corps, was killed during WWII. Sandy was raised lovingly by her mother and her grandparents, Anna and Police Lieutenant Herman T Schuerer. Sandy graduated from Meriden High School with honors in 1944 and went on to study graphic arts at The Rhode Island School of Design graduating in 1948. Additionally she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hartford in 1971. Her professional career began when she was hired by Travelers Insurance Company in 1950 as a graphic designer in the art and advertising department. This department turned out all of the printed posters, brochures, sales materials and presentation materials the company required. She advanced to head the art department supervising an in-house staff and coordinating with outside free lancers. A professional highlight at Travelers was being involved in a redesign of the iconic Travelers red umbrella. After 40 years Sandy retired from Travelers in 1991 with the corporate title of Director of Creative Services. Sandy was a member of the Congregational Church in Merlden for over 74 years. She was one of the last, if not the last, Meridenite to have summered on East Peak. Her grandparents owned a summer house on the mountain which was sold after WWII to accommodate the construction of the radio towers. Her memories of growing up in Merlden were a lesson in history. She was a member of the Hartford Advertising Club for over 40 years. Never a sports enthusiast in her early years, Sandy was given a free ticket to a UCONN women's basketball game in 1995. It was a life changing event and initiated a love of women's basketball with decades of season tickets at both UCONN and the University of Hartford. Over the years Sandy enjoyed many friendships with other fans and basketball supporters. Sandy's lifelong passion and commitment, especially in retirement, was to stray animals. She generously supported local humane societies and animal shelters. Over the years Sandy took in and cared for numerous stray cats. She would provide veterinarian care, neutering and arrange for homes through her Travelers network, neighbors and friends. If need be, she would give a stray a home with her. Her last cat Domino was very special and an inseparable companion. Although Sandy had a small family, she had many friends and wonderful neighbors. She kept in touch with everyone and enjoyed nothing more than a phone conversation or an afternoon visit. Always sharp and well-informed, Sandy was a vibrant and valued participant at family events, lunch dates with friends, women's basketball games and Travelers functions! She was especially thankful for her caring and thoughtful neighbors Sari and Dale Molesky, Dot and Frank Kogut, and Susan and James Canning. Sandy was predeceased by her parents, her grandparents, her cousin Phyllis Schuerer Uricchio of CA, her beloved uncle Harold Schuerer, her aunt Gladys Schuerer Ennis, her uncle Lester Schuerer and her dear friends Janet Kapish and Jean McCambridge. She is survived by her cousin Mary Brooks Humpage and her husband Robert, their children and grandchildren and her many friends and neighbors. The family is thankful for the wonderful care and compassionate support of Sandy's caregivers, Rolaine and SueEllen. A graveside internment service will be held at a later date at St John's Cemetery in Wallingford, Ct. Donations in Sandy's memory may be made to The Meriden Humane Society or The Wallingford Animal Shelter. Arrangements are under the direction of B.C. Bailey Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gladys "Sandy", please visit our floral store.